Rt. Hon. SirJohnForrest was born on 22 August 1847 at Western Australia, Australia.2 He was the son of WilliamForrest and Margaret GuthrieHill.2 He married Margaret ElvireHamersley, daughter of EdwardHamersley, in 1876.2 He died on 4 September 1918 at age 71, at sea, without issue.1,2 He was educated at Bishop's School, Perth, Western Australia, Australia.2 He was with the Survey Department of Western Australia in 1865.2 He was Deputy Surveyor-General in 1876.2 He held the office of Surveyor-General [Western Australia] in 1883.2 He held the office of Member of the Legislative Council (M.L.C.) [Western Australia] in 1883.2 He held the office of Treasurer [Western Australia] between 1890 and 1901.2 He was invested as a Knight Commander, Order of St. Michael and St. George (K.C.M.G.) in 1901.2 He held the office of Minister of Defence [Commonwealth of Australia] between January 1901 and August 1903.2 He held the office of Minister of Home Affairs [Commonwealth of Australia] between August 1903 and April 1904.2 He held the office of Treasurer [Commonwealth of Australia] between July 1905 and July 1907.1,2 He held the office of Treasurer [Commonwealth of Australia] between 1909 and 1910.2 He was invested as a Privy Counsellor (P.C.).1 He was invested as a Knight Grand Cross, Order of St. Michael and St. George (G.C.M.G.) in 1911.1,2 He held the office of Treasurer [Commonwealth of Australia] between 1913 and 1914.2 He held the office of Treasurer [Commonwealth of Australia] between February 1917 and March 1918.2 On 8 February 1918 the Times announced the grant to him of the title of Baron Forrest, but it does not appear to have passed the Great Seal.1 He has an extensive biographical entry in the Dictionary of National Biography.2